Few Guatemalan women have information about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and few statistics exist regarding prevalence rates of common STIs.

PAST PROJECTS

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence Study

WINGS’ STI study, possibly the first of its kind in Guatemala, was developed in response to the scarcity of information surrounding the prevalence of STIs and HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. Through WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics, it became clear that roughly 1-2% of women needed further testing and 5-10% received necessary medication, possibly indicating a widespread incidence of STIs. Yet, a WINGS-commissioned survey in 2003 of all sources (Ministry of Health, university theses, interviews with other organizations working in health, etc.) revealed that very limited data existed regarding STI prevalence in the general population. WINGS designed and implemented a prevalence study in conjunction with the Rafael Landivar University to collect data regarding STIs in the general female population, inform women about STIs, and provide STI testing and treatment services through a small pilot project.

Why was the study necessary?

Both the lack of information surrounding what percentage of the population might be infected and the lack of STI education and services in low income, rural and/or indigenous areas were cause for concern:

• STIs are ignored as a health care issue in Guatemala – despite the fact that of the 4,000 Pap smears WINGS sponsored in 2003, approximately 5-10% of women needed some type of follow-up treatment, possibly indicating a widespread prevalence of the human Papilloma virus, an STI which often leads to cervical cancer.

• Prevalence rates of STIs in Guatemala are not tracked, nor is there any coordinated effort to educate the public about risks and prevention of STIs, except for HIV/AIDS.

• The Ministry of Health reports most STIs in one category, masking the prevalence of differentiated STIs.

• Rural men and women often do not seek care until a condition causes significant discomfort/pain and inability to work. If s/he suspects an STI is the cause, the person will go to a private laboratory for testing, which because of financial restraints, distance, and other obstacles, often means that the person is not diagnosed and treated, the condition goes unreported, and the partner remains in the dark.

The Solution

WINGS’ STI Testing and Treatment Initiative involved the voluntary testing of 1,160 women attending WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics in rural, largely indigenous, communities in the Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The women were tested for five common STIs: Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas. They were also screened for two bothersome conditions: Candida and Gardnerella.

Each participant received pre- and post-test counseling in her native language (Mayan Kakchiquel or Spanish) to enable her to make an informed choice on whether to participate in the study, and to ensure that all who were diagnosed positive for any of these seven conditions understood the necessity of complying with follow-up advice and treatment. Data is being compiled and analyzed, and the results will be disseminated throughout the Guatemalan health-care and development community in the first half of 2006.

This project benefited the project participants and their families directly through the provision of testing and treatment of common STIs, as well as information on protection against future infection. In addition, it will also benefit countless more Guatemalans indirectly through the dissemination of valid information on which to base further interventions.

TESTIMONIAL:

A widow (46) from Chimaltenango came to one of WINGS' STI Study clinics, where she received the unfortunate news of a positive test result for HIV/AIDS. She was having a relationship with a man who continuously threatened her and forced her to have sex without using condoms.

WINGS arranged for a psychology expert to explain the test results, follow-up treatment available, and the repercussions on future sexual partners. Although WINGS is powerless to intervene in this woman’s complicated relationship, we are grateful to know she is continuing to receive follow-up treatment, thanks to our intervention.

Experiences of Permanent Methods of Family Planning

In 2005 WINGS designed and implemented a study to investigate the experiences of individuals who, through WINGS, had undergone surgery as a permanent contraceptive method. The study was implemented to evaluate: the quality of service provided; if our clients are satisfied with their decision; and what impact the operation has had on the lives of our clients.

The results of the study showed that the participants of the study received a good service and are satisfied with their decisions to have the operation. The overall impact of the operation, in regards to the lives of the participants and their children has been positive. For more information please click here.

Barrier Analysis

In 2005 WINGS volunteer Ashley Gamble helped design and implement a Barrier Analysis. The objective of the barrier analysis was to identify the behavioral determinants associated with the use of contraceptives among men and women in Guatemala.

The results of the study confirmed some of WINGS’ already held beliefs – that the church, machismo, lack of knowledge, and cost are major barriers to accessing family planning methods. The study also provided WINGS with some new insights into the barriers facing contraceptive use in Guatemala. These being that myths around health problems associated with contraceptive use create a barrier, and that men and women are working from two totally different frameworks. For more information please click here.